06/02/2021
Restricted movement in the rib cage is a sign of aging and can lead to unnecessary injury and pain.
We have these muscles and sinews in between the rib cage, that if not intentionally moved through exercise, can become stiff and rigid.
This is why you see so many people in their 50s 60s and 70s barely able to move their torso in a fluid, pliable, supple way.
This is totally fine if you’re looking for complications with your shoulder, back, neck and or breathing.
In this exercise, we’re taught to mobilize the rib cage in a very intentional, safe way in the upper lower parts of the thorax.
This can improve the function of your shoulders as upper back, break up restrictions around the diaphragm, improve digestion and improve mood.
This movement also has a direct influence on the sacroiliac joint and regulating the hips.
If you give this one a try, remember to relax to move and move to relax.
There should be zero pain throughout the course of the exercise.
But that doesn’t mean you may not feel some tightness and restrictions.
The key is to not fight or push through that tightness, but instead allow the body to open in its own accord and allow you to enter the space.
Especially in 8 or 9 of the exercise where your ribs and/shoulders may feel extra tight.
Maintain proper alignment throughout with the tail sinking and they crown lifting.
And BREATHE!